The Northeast Blackout of 2003

August 14, 2012 12:24 PM

Satellite image of the United States on Aug. 14, 2003. (NASA) Photo-3330868.47515 - Times Union

Image 2 of 52

A view of the Upper West side of Manhattan is seen from a Weehawken, N.J. park Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. The largest power blackout in U.S. history rolled across a vast swath of the northern United States as well as southern Canada on Thursday, driving millions of people outdoors into stifling rush hour streets, then darkness. (AP Photo/George Widman)

A view of the Upper West side of Manhattan is seen from a Weehawken, N.J. park Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. The largest power blackout in U.S. history rolled across a vast swath of the northern United States

A view of the Upper West side of Manhattan is seen from a... Photo-3327228.47515 - Times Union

Image 3 of 52

Cars try to navigate their way through New York City during a blackout that hit U.S. and Canadian cities in this Aug. 14, 2003, file photo. A year after the nation's worst ever blackout, utilities have made improvements and New York has spent millions of dollars on new high-tech gadgets to avert the chaos that followed. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Cars try to navigate their way through New York City during a blackout that hit U.S. and Canadian cities in this Aug. 14, 2003, file photo. A year after the nation's worst ever blackout, utilities have made

Cars try to navigate their way through New York City during a... Photo-3327282.47515 - Times Union

Image 4 of 52

Commuters walk up the entrance ramp to the Queensborough (59th Street) Bridge in New York, as a police officer directs traffic after a massive power outage Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003, that stretched from New York to Detroit and into Canada. (AP Photo/David Karp)

Commuters walk up the entrance ramp to the Queensborough (59th Street) Bridge in New York, as a police officer directs traffic after a massive power outage Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003, that stretched from New York

Commuters walk up the entrance ramp to the Queensborough (59th... Photo-3327279.47515 - Times Union

Image 5 of 52

Sergio Laear sits stranded at the Fairfield, Conn., train station platform, waiting for a train during a major power blackout Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. Laear works in Fairfield, and was trying to get home to Stamford, Conn. (AP Photo/Connecicut Post, Christian Abraham)

Sergio Laear sits stranded at the Fairfield, Conn., train station platform, waiting for a train during a major power blackout Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. Laear works in Fairfield, and was trying to get home to

City engineers survey a water main break that shut down a commuter rail line Monday, Aug. 18, 2003 in Cleveland. The water main break happened just a day after the city lifted its warning for residents to boil their water before drinking it. The blackout Thursday had cut off water to a million people in Cleveland for a day. (AP Photo/Steve Cutri)

City engineers survey a water main break that shut down a commuter rail line Monday, Aug. 18, 2003 in Cleveland. The water main break happened just a day after the city lifted its warning for residents to boil

City engineers survey a water main break that shut down a commuter... Photo-3327277.47515 - Times Union

Image 7 of 52

Commuters walk through the main concourse of Grand Central Terminal during morning rush hour, Monday, Aug. 18, 2003, in New York. The morning commute went as planned with no major problems for millions of people on their way to work on the first Monday after last week's blackout. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Commuters walk through the main concourse of Grand Central Terminal during morning rush hour, Monday, Aug. 18, 2003, in New York. The morning commute went as planned with no major problems for millions of

Commuters walk through the main concourse of Grand Central... Photo-3327276.47515 - Times Union

Image 8 of 52

A passenger cranes his neck trying to see the new sign aboard a crammed subway shuttle bus used to replace subway service on the Yonge line in Toronto, Canada on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2003. Subway service is espected to resume Monday morning. (AP PHOTO/Globe & Mail, J.P. Moczulski)

A passenger cranes his neck trying to see the new sign aboard a crammed subway shuttle bus used to replace subway service on the Yonge line in Toronto, Canada on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2003. Subway service is

A passenger cranes his neck trying to see the new sign aboard a... Photo-3327275.47515 - Times Union

Image 9 of 52

Shelves that had been filled with perishable goods are now empty at the Ninth Avenue Cheese Market in New York Sunday, Aug. 17, 2003, following Thursday's blackout. Pando Andonopulo, second left, owner of the cheese shop, said he lost hundreds of pounds of cheese, prepared salads and sandwiches. "It's serious. Maybe I'm not going to be able to pay my rent", he said. (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg)

Shelves that had been filled with perishable goods are now empty at the Ninth Avenue Cheese Market in New York Sunday, Aug. 17, 2003, following Thursday's blackout. Pando Andonopulo, second left, owner of the

Shelves that had been filled with perishable goods are now empty... Photo-3327273.47515 - Times Union

Image 10 of 52

Jose Gonzalez, assistant manager at the Big Apple Meat Market in New York, points to hundreds of pounds of rotten meat Sunday, Aug. 17, 2003, as it waits to be inventoried for insurance purposes following the blackout that hit much of northeastern United States and Canada on Thursday, Aug. 14, 20003. Gonzalez said the blackout cost him tens of thousands of dollars. (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg)

Jose Gonzalez, assistant manager at the Big Apple Meat Market in New York, points to hundreds of pounds of rotten meat Sunday, Aug. 17, 2003, as it waits to be inventoried for insurance purposes following the

KRT US NEWS STORY SLUGGED: BLACKOUT KRT PHOTO BY VICKI VALERIO/PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER (August 16) NEW YORK, NY -- Riders wait for a subway at a station in New Yorks Times Square as life returns to normal Saturday, August 16, 2003, in the city after Thursday's power failure that hit cities in the Northeast, upper Midwest and Canada.

KRT US NEWS STORY SLUGGED: BLACKOUT KRT PHOTO BY VICKI VALERIO/PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER (August 16) NEW YORK, NY -- Riders wait for a subway at a station in New Yorks Times Square as life returns to normal

Employees throw out ice cream at a Dominion grocery store in Toronto, Canada Saturday Aug 16, 2003. The store was reportedly throwing out all types of perishables after a blackout that began Thursday. (AP Photo/CP/Aaron Harris)

Employees throw out ice cream at a Dominion grocery store in Toronto, Canada Saturday Aug 16, 2003. The store was reportedly throwing out all types of perishables after a blackout that began Thursday. (AP

U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, left, addresses a news conference as New York Gov. George Pataki, rear middle, and New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey look on at the state Capitol in Albany, N.Y., Saturday, Aug. 16, 2003. Abraham said people in the Midwest and Northeast should be ready for rolling blackouts until the region's shaken power grid is fully operational. (AP Photo/Stewart Cairns)

U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, left, addresses a news conference as New York Gov. George Pataki, rear middle, and New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey look on at the state Capitol in Albany, N.Y., Saturday,

Natalie Matos looks over a limited supply of meat at a Gristede's supermarket in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2003. Due to the massive power outage in New York on Thursday, Gristede's had to throw away meat and dairy products that spoiled. (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)

Natalie Matos looks over a limited supply of meat at a... Photo-3327267.47515 - Times Union

Image 15 of 52

Commuters navigate their way through the thirty fouth street/Herald Square subway station. Subways were running in all of New York City, as the city began its first full day with electricity since Thursday's massive power outage Saturday, Aug. 16, 2003, in New York. (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)

Commuters navigate their way through the thirty fouth street/Herald Square subway station. Subways were running in all of New York City, as the city began its first full day with electricity since Thursday's

Commuters navigate their way through the thirty fouth... Photo-3327266.47515 - Times Union

Image 16 of 52

Photo-3327265.47515 - Times Union

Image 17 of 52

TIMES UNION STAFF PHOTO--MICHAEL P. FARRELL--Electrical Technician Dan Audette works on a television repair at Lake Electronics in Colonie, New York Friday August 15, 2003 . The Colonie store said they were deluged with phone call and walk ins for television repairs following Thursday's east coast power falure.

TIMES UNION STAFF PHOTO--MICHAEL P. FARRELL--Electrical Technician Dan Audette works on a television repair at Lake Electronics in Colonie, New York Friday August 15, 2003 . The Colonie store said they were

Barb Reinke, with her children Christina, center, and son Eric, head back to their car after purchasing gasoline while more people wait their turn at a gas station Friday, Aug. 15, 2003, in Warren, Mich. Police would not allow cars to line up at the station do to the traffic problems the long lines had caused earlier in the day. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)

Barb Reinke, with her children Christina, center, and son Eric, head back to their car after purchasing gasoline while more people wait their turn at a gas station Friday, Aug. 15, 2003, in Warren, Mich. Police

Barb Reinke, with her children Christina, center, and son Eric,... Photo-3327258.47515 - Times Union

Image 19 of 52

Commuters sleep on the steps of the General Post Office in New York early Friday morning, Aug. 15, 2003 after being stranded because of the city's electrical blackout. The blackout, which affected everything from trains to mobile phones, occurred across much of northeastern United States and parts of Canada. (AP Photo/ Mike Appleton)

Commuters sleep on the steps of the General Post Office in New York early Friday morning, Aug. 15, 2003 after being stranded because of the city's electrical blackout. The blackout, which affected everything

Commuters sleep on the steps of the General Post Office in New... Photo-3327257.47515 - Times Union

Image 20 of 52

Travellers waiting to check-in line-up outside the JetBlue airways terminal at JFK Airport in the New York borough of Queens, Friday, Aug. 15, 2003. New York was severly crippled overnight during the worst power outtage in United States history. (AP Photo / Stuart Ramson)

Travellers waiting to check-in line-up outside the JetBlue airways terminal at JFK Airport in the New York borough of Queens, Friday, Aug. 15, 2003. New York was severly crippled overnight during the worst

Paul Miller of Plainview, N.Y., reads about the worst power outtage in United States history while lining up outside the JetBlue airways terminal awaiting news of the flight which was to transport Miller and his family to Orlando, Fl., at JFK Airport in the New York borough of Queens, Friday, Aug. 15, 2003. (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)

Paul Miller of Plainview, N.Y., reads about the worst power outtage in United States history while lining up outside the JetBlue airways terminal awaiting news of the flight which was to transport Miller and

Customers line up to buy supplies Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003 at the Yorkshire Food Market in Detroit after power was lost to much of the eastern United States. Cities from New York to Toronto to Detroit were left without power after a natural occurrence likely disrupted the power grid near Niagara Falls, N.Y., officials said. (AP Photo/Paul Warner)

Customers line up to buy supplies Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003 at the Yorkshire Food Market in Detroit after power was lost to much of the eastern United States. Cities from New York to Toronto to Detroit were

Customers line up to buy supplies Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003 at the... Photo-3327253.47515 - Times Union

Image 23 of 52

Lucy Ares, of New York, examines a box of breakfast cereal Friday, Aug. 15, 2003 as she shops by flashlight in a downtown Manhattan supermarket which remained without power after a massive blackout which affected parts of the Northeast, Midwest and Canada. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Lucy Ares, of New York, examines a box of breakfast cereal Friday, Aug. 15, 2003 as she shops by flashlight in a downtown Manhattan supermarket which remained without power after a massive blackout which

Lucy Ares, of New York, examines a box of breakfast cereal Friday,... Photo-3327252.47515 - Times Union

Image 24 of 52

Commuters sleep on the steps of the Post Office on 33rd Street and Eighth Avenue in New York during the early hours of Friday, Aug. 15, 2003 after being stranded by the city's electrical blackout. (AP Photo/ Mike Appleton)

Commuters sleep on the steps of the Post Office on 33rd Street and... Photo-3327250.47515 - Times Union

Image 25 of 52

A man reads a New York newspaper, with a front page banner headline that reads "Blackout" as he takes the ferry from New Jersey to midtown New York, seen in background, Friday Aug. 15, 2003. A massive blackout hit New York and other eastern North American cities Thursday. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma)

Commuters sleep on the steps of the Post Office on 33rd Street and Eighth Avenue in New York during the early hours of Friday, Aug. 15, 2003 after being stranded following the city's electrical blackout. The blackout occurred across much of northeastern United States and Canada. (AP Photo/ Mike Appleton)

Commuters sleep on the steps of the Post Office on 33rd Street and Eighth Avenue in New York during the early hours of Friday, Aug. 15, 2003 after being stranded following the city's electrical blackout.

Commuters sleep on the steps of the Post Office on 33rd Street and... Photo-3327247.47515 - Times Union

Image 28 of 52

A taxi moves down Broadway through the heart of New York's Times Square at dawn, Friday Aug. 15, 2003. A massive power blackout left the famed neon lights and most of New York City off the power grid. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

A taxi moves down Broadway through the heart of New York's Times Square at dawn, Friday Aug. 15, 2003. A massive power blackout left the famed neon lights and most of New York City off the power grid. (AP

A taxi moves down Broadway through the heart of New York's... Photo-3327246.47515 - Times Union

Image 29 of 52

A darkened New York City is visible just before dawn through power lines from Jersey City, N.J., shown in foreground, with some lights visible, Friday, Aug. 15, 2003. (AP Photo/George Widman)

A darkened New York City is visible just before dawn through power lines from Jersey City, N.J., shown in foreground, with some lights visible, Friday, Aug. 15, 2003. (AP Photo/George Widman)

A darkened New York City is visible just before dawn through power... Photo-3327245.47515 - Times Union

Image 30 of 52

The sun rises over the skyline of the Upper West side of Manhattan as seen from Weehaken, N.J. Friday Aug. 15, 2003. A sudden blackout robbed electricity from millions of people across a vast swath of the northern United States and southern Canada on Thursday. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma)

The sun rises over the skyline of the Upper West side of Manhattan as seen from Weehaken, N.J. Friday Aug. 15, 2003. A sudden blackout robbed electricity from millions of people across a vast swath of the

The sun rises over the skyline of the Upper West side of Manhattan... Photo-3327243.47515 - Times Union

Image 31 of 52

People with no place to go after they were not allowed into their hotel rooms, the Marriott Marquis in New York's Times Square, sleep on the sidewalk outside the hotel early Friday morning Aug. 15, 2003, following a massive power outage that darkened the city. (AP Photo/Joe Kohen)

People with no place to go after they were not allowed into their hotel rooms, the Marriott Marquis in New York's Times Square, sleep on the sidewalk outside the hotel early Friday morning Aug. 15, 2003,

People with no place to go after they were not allowed into their... Photo-3327242.47515 - Times Union

Image 32 of 52

A couple enjoys a candlelight dinner at a downtown Toronto restaurant Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003, during a major power failure. A power blackout hit much of Ontario and the northeastern United States on Thursday afternoon. (AP Photo/CP, Paul Chiasson)

A couple enjoys a candlelight dinner at a downtown Toronto restaurant Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003, during a major power failure. A power blackout hit much of Ontario and the northeastern United States on Thursday

Patrons dine by candlelight at a downtown Peterborough, Canada,... Photo-3327240.47515 - Times Union

Image 34 of 52

Bystanders gather outside Grand Central Station after a power blackout in New York City, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. A huge power blackout hit U.S. cities spreading from New York to Cleveland and Detroit and north into Canada Thursday afternoon. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Bystanders gather outside Grand Central Station after a power blackout in New York City, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. A huge power blackout hit U.S. cities spreading from New York to Cleveland and Detroit and

Bystanders gather outside Grand Central Station after a power... Photo-3327238.47515 - Times Union

Image 35 of 52

One of the first gas stations in London, Ontario, to get power back is flooded by customers trying to get gasoline and supplies Thursday night, Aug. 14, 2003. Power was restored to London residents by late evening. (AP Photo/London Free Press, Dave Chidley)

One of the first gas stations in London, Ontario, to get power back is flooded by customers trying to get gasoline and supplies Thursday night, Aug. 14, 2003. Power was restored to London residents by late

One of the first gas stations in London, Ontario, to get power... Photo-3327237.47515 - Times Union

Image 36 of 52

The Toronto Skyline is shown in the background during a blackout seen from Toronto Island at dusk Thursday Aug. 14, 2003. A power outage of unprecedented impact hit huge swaths of Ontario and parts of the United States Thursday, shutting down businesses and causing commuter chaos in sweltering temperatures. (AP Photo/CP, Toronto Star, Andrew Stawicki)

The Toronto Skyline is shown in the background during a blackout seen from Toronto Island at dusk Thursday Aug. 14, 2003. A power outage of unprecedented impact hit huge swaths of Ontario and parts of the

The Toronto Skyline is shown in the background during a blackout... Photo-3327234.47515 - Times Union

Image 37 of 52

Pedestrians move around cars after traffic lights went out in downtown Toronto, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. Traffic, subways, elevators and office buildings shut down following a widespread power outage that included Ontario and parts of the United States. (AP Photo/Ron Poling)

Pedestrians move around cars after traffic lights went out in downtown Toronto, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. Traffic, subways, elevators and office buildings shut down following a widespread power outage that

Pedestrians move around cars after traffic lights went out in... Photo-3327226.47515 - Times Union

Image 38 of 52

New York Gov. George Pataki listens to a question at a press conference outside the New York State Emergency Office in Albany, N.Y., on Thursday, Aug. 14. 2003, where he said that 60 percent of New York State was still without power. (AP Photo/Jim McKnight)

New York Gov. George Pataki listens to a question at a press conference outside the New York State Emergency Office in Albany, N.Y., on Thursday, Aug. 14. 2003, where he said that 60 percent of New York State

New York Gov. George Pataki listens to a question at a press... Photo-3327225.47515 - Times Union

Image 39 of 52

Kelly Klein, left, of New York, waits in a long line for a taxi ride into the city from Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J., Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. (AP Photo/Daniel Hulshizer)

Kelly Klein, left, of New York, waits in a long line for a taxi ride into the city from Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J., Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. (AP Photo/Daniel Hulshizer)

Kelly Klein, left, of New York, waits in a long line for a taxi... Photo-3327222.47515 - Times Union

Image 40 of 52

Pedestrians hitch a ride on a New York Metro Bus on Broadway during a blackout that hit New York, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. (AP Photo/Christie Johnston)

Pedestrians hitch a ride on a New York Metro Bus on Broadway during a blackout that hit New York, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. (AP Photo/Christie Johnston)

Pedestrians hitch a ride on a New York Metro Bus on Broadway... Photo-3327221.47515 - Times Union

Image 41 of 52

The Empire State building in midtown New York City is dark with a few lights on in surrounding buildings as a ferry passes on the Hudson River as seen from Jersey City, N.J., Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. (AP Photo/Mike Derer)

The Empire State building in midtown New York City is dark with a few lights on in surrounding buildings as a ferry passes on the Hudson River as seen from Jersey City, N.J., Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. (AP

The Empire State building in midtown New York City is dark with a... Photo-3327220.47515 - Times Union

Image 42 of 52

Bystanders gather outside Grand Central Station after a power blackout in New York City, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. A huge power blackout hit U.S. cities spreading from New York to Cleveland and Detroit and north into Canada Thursday afternoon. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Bystanders gather outside Grand Central Station after a power blackout in New York City, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. A huge power blackout hit U.S. cities spreading from New York to Cleveland and Detroit and

Bystanders gather outside Grand Central Station after a power... Photo-3327218.47515 - Times Union

Image 43 of 52

Commuters walk up the ramp to the Queensborough (59th) Bridge as a police officer directs traffic after a massive blackout knocked out power in New York, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. (AP Photo/David Karp)

Commuters walk up the ramp to the Queensborough (59th) Bridge as a police officer directs traffic after a massive blackout knocked out power in New York, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. (AP Photo/David Karp)

Commuters walk up the ramp to the Queensborough (59th) Bridge as a... Photo-3327215.47515 - Times Union

Image 44 of 52

People try to board the back of a crowded Manhattan bus during the power outtage in New York Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. Buses were packed to capacity after the subway lines closed down during the outtage. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

People try to board the back of a crowded Manhattan bus during the power outtage in New York Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. Buses were packed to capacity after the subway lines closed down during the outtage. (AP

People try to board the back of a crowded Manhattan bus during the... Photo-3327213.47515 - Times Union

Image 45 of 52

People wait under empty destination boards at Grand Central Terminal in New York after a massive blackout Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. An extraordinary power blackout hit steamy U.S. and Canadian cities Thursday, stranding people in subways, closing nine nuclear power plants from New York to Michigan and choking streets with workers driven from stifling offices. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

People wait under empty destination boards at Grand Central Terminal in New York after a massive blackout Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. An extraordinary power blackout hit steamy U.S. and Canadian cities Thursday,

People wait under empty destination boards at Grand Central... Photo-3327212.47515 - Times Union

Image 46 of 52

This image from video shows pedestians and motorists crowding sidewalks and highways Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003, in New York, after an extraordinary power blackout hit steamy U.S. and Canadian cities Thursday, stranding people in subways, closing nine nuclear power plants from New York to Michigan and choking streets with workers driven from stifling offices. (AP Photo/ABC-TV)

This image from video shows pedestians and motorists crowding sidewalks and highways Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003, in New York, after an extraordinary power blackout hit steamy U.S. and Canadian cities Thursday,

People line up to buy batteries for their flashlights at a hardware store in the Upper West Side of the Manhattan borough of New York during a power outage, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)

People line up to buy batteries for their flashlights at a hardware store in the Upper West Side of the Manhattan borough of New York during a power outage, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2003. (AP Photo/Diane Bondareff)

People line up to buy batteries for their flashlights at a... Photo-3327205.47515 - Times Union

Image 49 of 52

Times Union Staff Photo by Stacey Lauren -- Children run across the beach into the water on a sweltering day Friday at Grafton State Park. Admission into the park was free today because of the blackout yesterday. Friday August 15, 2003 Grafton, NY

Times Union Staff Photo by Stacey Lauren -- Children run across the beach into the water on a sweltering day Friday at Grafton State Park. Admission into the park was free today because of the blackout

Times Union Staff Photo by Stacey Lauren -- Children run across... Photo-3327263.47515 - Times Union

Image 50 of 52

Times Union Staff Photo by Stacey Lauren -- Friday was declared free park day by Governor Pataki in response to the blackout yesterday. Here a couple sleeps soundly with sheltered faces in Grafton State Park in Grafton, NY on August 15, 2003 .

Times Union Staff Photo by Stacey Lauren -- Friday was declared free park day by Governor Pataki in response to the blackout yesterday. Here a couple sleeps soundly with sheltered faces in Grafton State Park in

Times Union Staff Photo by Stacey Lauren -- Friday was declared free park day by Governor Pataki in response to the blackout yesterday. Here guys take advantage of the day with a game of volleyball in Grafton State Park. Left is Kevin Buchan of Troy, NY and right Andy Vartigian also of Troy, NY on Friday August 15, 2003 .

Times Union Staff Photo by Stacey Lauren -- Friday was declared free park day by Governor Pataki in response to the blackout yesterday. Here guys take advantage of the day with a game of volleyball in Grafton